1990 Toyota MR2 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Toyota MR2 (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Toyota MR2 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota MR2. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota MR2 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
